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Homewood council sets mayor pay at $15,000, keeps council pay at $7,500 after amendment fails
Summary
On Feb. 10 the Homewood City Council approved Ordinance 29-25 setting the mayor’s salary at $15,000 and each council member’s salary at $7,500 for the 2025–2029 term. An amendment to raise council pay to $12,000 failed; the final ordinance passed 9–1.
The Homewood City Council on Feb. 10 adopted an ordinance fixing the mayor’s salary at $15,000 and each council member’s salary at $7,500 per year for the term beginning Nov. 3, 2025. The ordinance passed 9–1 after the council rejected an amendment that would have raised council pay to $12,000.
The measure came to the council following a 4–0 recommendation from the Finance Committee. Council discussion focused on whether the 40-year-old base pay (last adjusted in 1984, speakers said) still reflected inflation and the time commitment required of council members, or whether higher pay would be inappropriate compared with neighboring cities.
Councilor Ollman moved an amendment to raise council compensation to $12,000 and keep the mayor at $15,000. That amendment failed on a roll call; the council then voted on the ordinance as recommended by Finance. Mr. Kendrick provided the ordinance’s first reading before the final vote. The ordinance is recorded as Ordinance No. 29-25 and specifies that the compensation “shall be the total compensation paid” and does not include retirement or health benefits; reimbursement for actual documented expenses remains allowed “pursuant to Alabama Code section 36-7-2.” The ordinance becomes effective Nov. 3, 2025.
Council members who supported the amendment cited inflation and argued pay can help broaden who can serve. Councilor Sims said, “Some people will do it without payment. Some people, you know, the payment is important,” describing the pay discussion as a way to encourage a broader field of candidates. Opponents pointed to local comparisons and to the city’s particular profile when explaining their votes against a larger increase.
Vote tally: yes 9, no 1. Outcome: ordinance adopted.
Amendments: Amendment to set council pay at $12,000 (moved by Councilor Ollman) — failed.
Ordinance citation: Ordinance No. 29-25, “An ordinance to establish the annual salaries of the mayor and council members of the City of Homewood” (effective 11/03/2025).
